"Dear Florence, I'd like to thank you for writing the good tips to making it easier talking with the bereaved. One time a woman lost her husband and I said "I don't know what to say." I've lost both my parents, my only…"

Q. I recently spotted an acquaintance walking down the street and ducked into a store. His wife had died, and I didn't want him to see me because I didn't know what to say. I felt like a coward. Why is it so difficult to talk to someone in this situation?The fact is the idea of facing any bereaved can bring strong men to their knees. Although women are generally more…See More

Q. I see In Memoriams in the newspaper regularly, but I wonder why people bother to place them. First, they’re expensive. Second, isn’t an obituary enough? Many of us never consider an In Memoriam because it isn’t a family custom and funeral costs are hard enough to handle. Yet the notices do comfort those left behind who wish to voice love and sorrow. These emotions have no expiration date. In…See More

By Florence Isaacs

Florence gives tips on writing sincere and thoughtful sympathy notes and answers questions about condolence and eulogy writing, funeral etiquette and more in Sincere Condolences, her original monthly column for LegacyConnect. In her new blog Widow in the World, Florence – a widow herself – offers advice to bereaved spouses and partners.

Florence Isaacs's Blog

Q. My colleague’s 19-year-old brother died in a freak biking accident. I attended the funeral and sent a condolence note, but worry about what to say and do when the bereaved comes back to work next week. What is your advice?

Q. My late friend and colleague wished to be cremated and did not want a funeral. He had no close family. I (and others in my professional organization who will miss him) feel very sad. He had a huge impact on our careers, especially when we were starting out. What can we do that honors his wishes, yet also allows us some closure? And…